MacDonald (McDonald) Tartan Collection
MacDonald Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan Donald with a bold Scottish tartan tied to Finlaggan and the Lordship of the Isles — the greatest of the Highland clans, under the sea-kings' motto Per Mare Per Terras, "By Sea and By Land."
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About the MacDonald Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records MacDonald as a Clan/Family tartan. The MacDonald name is worn in many setts — the bold red and green MacDonald, the dark green Lord of the Isles hunting tartan, and the tartans of the great branches such as Clanranald, Sleat, Glengarry and Keppoch — all in ancient and modern shades.
Clan Donald, in Gaelic Clann Dòmhnaill, is the largest of the Scottish clans, descended from Somerled, King of the Isles, through his grandson Donald. The clan motto Per Mare Per Terras, "by sea and by land," and the plant badge of common heather make MacDonald tartan among the most meaningful of all for Highland pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
MacDonald Tartan Pattern and Colours
The MacDonald tartan is best known in a bold ground of red and green crossed with blue and black, while the Lord of the Isles hunting sett is cooler and darker. Ancient shades appear softer and lighter, while modern shades are deeper and more vivid.
MacDonald Heritage
Clan Donald springs from Somerled, the half-Norse, half-Gaelic warrior who drove the Norsemen from the western seas in the twelfth century, and takes its name from his grandson Donald of Islay. John of Islay, supporting Robert the Bruce, was granted vast lands, and in 1354 took the title Lord of the Isles; from Finlaggan on Islay the Lords ruled a sea-kingdom of galleys, holding their own Council of the Isles and treating with kings as princes in their own right.
The Lordship was forfeited to the crown in 1493, and the great clan divided into its branches — Sleat, Clanranald, Glengarry, Keppoch, Glencoe and others — each with its own chief, but all of Clan Donald. Through the Jacobite risings and the long years after, the MacDonald name endured; today the High Chief of Clan Donald is Lord Macdonald, and the branch chiefs sit together on the High Council of Clan Donald.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for MacDonald and McDonald descendants, all the branches and septs of Clan Donald, Hebridean and West Highland heritage lovers and anyone looking for a bold Scottish tartan with the deepest Highland meaning.
- ✓ MacDonald and McDonald family
- ✓ Hebrides and West Highland roots
- ✓ Lords of the Isles heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Bold red and green tartan style
How to Wear MacDonald Tartan
MacDonald tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The bold red and green sett makes a striking statement, while the darker hunting tartan suits a quieter look, ideal for everyday wear, formal events and meaningful gifts.
MacDonald Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about MacDonald tartan, the Lords of the Isles and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the MacDonald tartan?
MacDonald is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan, worn in a bold red and green sett and in many branch tartans.
What is the MacDonald clan motto?
The motto is Per Mare Per Terras, "by sea and by land"; the plant badge is common heather.
Where does Clan Donald come from?
From the Hebrides and the western Highlands, with Finlaggan on Islay as the seat of the Lords of the Isles.
Who was Somerled?
The twelfth-century Norse-Gaelic King of the Isles from whom Clan Donald descends, through his grandson Donald of Islay.
Are MacDonald and McDonald the same?
Yes — both are forms of the Gaelic Mac Dhòmhnaill, and both belong to Clan Donald.
Who can wear MacDonald tartan?
People with MacDonald or McDonald ancestry, branch and sept families or a respectful connection to Clan Donald can wear MacDonald tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan Donald
Discover MacDonald tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Finlaggan, the Lords of the Isles and the motto Per Mare Per Terras.
View MacDonald Tartan Clothing